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President Jokowi Optimistic Indonesia Will Bag More Than 16 Golds

President Jokowi accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports and Chairman of INAPGOC after watching the weight-lifting sports at Balai Sudirman, Jakarta, Wednesday (10/10). (Photo by: Nia/Public Relations).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his optimism that Indonesian contingent for the 2018 Asian Para Games can achieve the target of 16 gold medals and finish in top 8.

“I think we will get more than 16 gold medals. I’m sure. Probably more than 20, but certainly more than 16,” President Jokowi said after watching the weight-lifting sports at the 2018 Asian Para Games at Balai Sudirman, Jakarta, Wednesday (10/10).

According to the President, there are targets that have been set in every competition and it is great if they can exceed it. To achieve a great success, President Jokowi continued, it is necessary to take part in competitions and get overseas trials.

Regarding the performance of two Indonesian athletes in the weight lifting sports, President Jokowi admitted that their rivals are tough. Moreover, a Chinese athlete had broken new world and Asian Para Games records of 141 kg.

In weight lifting, two Indonesian athletes, Nurtani Purba and Siti Mahmudah bagged two silver medals in 73 kg class, lifted a total of 115 kg; and in 79 kg class, lifted a total of 120 kg, respectively.

President Jokowi told the reporters that he will watch the 2018 Asian Para Games. If he is not very busy, he promises to spare time to watch the competition.

Regarding less spectators in a number of sports at the 2018 Asian Para Games, President Jokowi said there were also certain sports at the 2018 Asian Games that people did not have much interest in.

“It’s the same in every sports, some are interested, some are not. Currently, people are mostly interested in badminton, basketball, table tennis, and swimming,” President Jokowi said. (UN/ES) (GWH/MMB/Naster)